Texans’ Arian Foster misses practice; seeing doctors for back issue

Arian Foster, who’s battling back and hamstring issues that first surfaced during training camp, didn’t even make an appearance at practice Wednesday, so Ben Tate seems the likely starter at running back against the Cardinals Sunday, his four broken ribs notwithstanding.

Acting head coach Wade Phillips called Tate a “tough sonuvagun” for stepping in Sunday night for Foster, who left the game after the first series. Tate carried 22 times for a season-high 81 yards in the 27-24 loss to the Colts.

“I’ve had star players not play with (broken) ribs,” said Phillips, adding that Tate had assured him he’d be ready to answer the bell in Phoenix. But Tate didn’t practice either Wednesday, which gave extra reps to rookie Dennis Johnson.

Johnson, an undrafted free agent, was fumble-prone during the preseason and wound up being cut when the Texans decided to keep another free-agent rookie, Cierre Wood, instead. But Wood got caught for violating team rules on the Kansas City trip and Johnson, the all-time leading kickoff returner in the SEC as an Arkansas Razorback, was re-signed.

“He’s a tough kid and he’ll do everything that we need him to do,” offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said of Johnson. Dennison also complimented Johnson having improved his “ball protection” skills.

Assuming Foster can’t go, Johnson will be Tate’s backup against Arizona with either Deji Karim or Ray Graham being activated for the game as well.

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Week 17: Titans 16, Texans 10

Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) kneels on the field.

Week 17: Titans 16, Texans 10

Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) kneels on the field.

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Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) asks the official if he can keep the ball after scoring his first career touchdown.

Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) asks the official if he can keep the ball after scoring his first career touchdown.

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) slams Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) to the turf in overtime. Jackson was penalized for a personal foul on the play, giving the Seahawks a first down. ( Brett ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled on the sidelines by Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) in overtime. Shaprton was called for a horse collar penalty on the play. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled on the sidelines by Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) in overtime. Shaprton was called for a horse collar penalty on the play. ( Brett Coomer / ... more